Inspired by a series of revelations this book charts the course of Bob Hawke’s startling and unprecedented rise to power initially in the Labor Party and then in the country. The central theme is Hawke’s self-belief and personality transformation – how he reformed himself as a prelude to his seductive assault of Australia’s oldest political party. The book was launched by Hawke at the Sydney Opera House on the anniversary of his election victory.
Reviews
“Kelly at his best is a wordsmith and analyst without peer among those who make their living observing and reporting national politics” – Alan Ramsey, The National Times.
“So definitive is this dissection of life and manners in the nation’s capital, one marvels that the author is still apparently alive and well” – Sean Reagan, The Australian.
“The Kelly book is a superb account….this is the real thing” – Laurie Oakes.
“It marks the end of the beginning. It ends the fiction of Hawke being some supra-political figure who is above it all” – John Howard, Quadrant.
“Kelly writes a gripping political narrative that has also the powerful overtones of Shakespearian tragedy” – David Combe, Financial Review.
